SimplyGram Review & User Ratings *WARNING*

An In-Depth Analysis of SimplyGram‘s Instagram Growth Tactics (and Better Alternatives)

In an oversaturated social media landscape, Standing out on Instagram requires both art and science. Images and videos that spark an emotional reaction represent the art. Strategic follower acquisition and engagement optimization represent the science.

Yet with over 1 billion active monthly users, the organic reach of even exceptional content continues to decline. Achieving rapid Instagram growth in 2024 and beyond increasingly requires outside services promising shortcuts.

However, bot-fueled follower growth ravages engagement rates and risks account bans. This review digs into the technical and strategic red flags around one such service – SimplyGram. I‘ll also suggest smarter, more sustainable alternatives.

Inside SimplyGram‘s Instagram Growth "Magic"

SimplyGram‘s website shows happy people and impressive stats implying their "mother-child bots" hold the key to Instagram fame. But what exactly are these bots and how do they work?

Put simply, mother-child bots are networks of automated Instagram accounts operated programmatically. The "mothers" are a smaller number of human-managed bots directing the activity of a larger number of "children" bots completing rote tasks.

These child bot accounts automatically like, comment on, and follow other Instagram profiles based on targeting criteria. For example, SimplyGram configures children bots to engage users that recently used a branded hashtag or follow competitor accounts.

The ongoing bot activity aims to bring initial awareness to a profile. Then a smaller percentage of users click these fake accounts and also start following – thereby inflating the client‘s follower count (at least temporarily).

But how sustainable is growth driven entirely by bot traffic and inauthentic engagement? Instagram‘s shifting algorithms and policy enforcement render these tactics increasingly ineffective and dangerous.

Instagram Cracks Down on Fake Follower Services

Inauthentic activity threatens Instagram‘s value as a community platform. After all, most users wish to engage with real people sharing common interests – not silent bot accounts pretending to care.

So starting in 2014, Instagram began refining their algorithms to detect and limit reach for engagement coming from bot accounts or sale/trade services. These changes intentionally made bought/bot followers and likes useless in trying to actually grow reach.

The 2018 algorithm update accelerated efforts by better identifying engagement between accounts without prior direct connections – a strong signal of bought or bot activity.

Instagram also employs machine learning models that evaluate past behavior of an account relative to many others. The system assigns each a reputation score based on using authentic vs fake growth tactics. Low-reputation accounts face significant reach limitations from the algorithm.

Additionally, when the company detects bot networks or services selling inauthentic traffic, they actively suspend the associated accounts. Hence SimplyGram users face real risks of having both their bought followers and main account removed entirely if caught.

So not only do followers acquired through SimplyGram and similar services fail to produce meaningful impressions or engagement, but using them also endangers your account standing with Instagram itself.

Follower Count vs. Engagement Rates

SimplyGram advertises the ability to add 5,000+ new Instagram followers per month to your account. But is more always better when it comes to followers – especially if over 50% are likely fake or inactive accounts anyway?

Let‘s analyze typical Instagram engagement rates to determine a healthier target range for sustainable growth.

Industry benchmarks show engagement rates of 3-5% represent good performance, with under 1% being low:

Engagement rate formulas compare total engagement (likes + comments) on the 12 most recent posts divided by number of followers.

So for an account with 50,000 followers and 7,500 total engagements over the last 12 posts, the math is:

7,500 engagements / 50,000 followers = 15% engagement rate

But SimplyGram customers with 5,000 mysteriously new followers added each month tend to see their rates rapidly decline instead. This results from adding so many fake or inactive accounts that Leonardo‘s 12 recent posts still only receive ~7,500 total engagements.

Now the rate drops to half due to an artificially inflated follower count from bots:

7,500 engagements / 100,000 followers = 7.5% engagement rate

Halving your engagement rate devastates how Instagram‘s algorithm will expose your content moving forward. What good are 100k supposed followers if your posts hardly reach anyone anymore?

Clearly follower quantity loses significance without regard for quality. Next we‘ll compare SimplyGram‘s offerings versus more transparent competitors committed to optimizing both dimensions.

SimplyGram Alternatives for Getting Real Instagram Growth

Many providers chase vanity metrics promising the moon with little regard forlong-term success. Comparing SimplyGram to quality alternatives better highlights what Instagram services ought to actually deliver.

Kicksta

Kicksta innovates where SimplyGram relies on outdated tactics. Custom machine learning models identify the most valuable users to target from each client‘s niche. Rather than spam follow irrelevant accounts like bots do, Kicksta strategically connects with those highly likely to genuinely engage.

They also apply sophisticated analytics to track conversions throughout the entire sales funnel – from initial profile visits to post engagements to actual following activity. This enables optimizing each campaign for ideal results.

Additionally, 24/7 chat and email access to their marketing experts represents tremendous value for guidance in growing both your account and business.

By leveraging authentic engagement, strategic relationship building, and insightful data tracking, Kicksta sustains growth for the long-haul where temporary bot bursts fail.

Task Ant

Task Ant fills a different Instagram need around identifying high-potential hashtags to integrate within your content itself for discovery.

The system uses advanced analytics on hashtag performance to suggest relevant options that are popular without being oversaturated. Hashtag research represents a vital growth channel.

But dedicating sufficient time or analysis for what works best poses a challenge SimplyGram ignores. By handling that research component for your brand, Task Ant enhances reach.

Combining their hashtag suggestions with Kicksta‘s follower targeting multiplies growth in an authentic way aligned with Instagram‘s algorithm.

Key Takeaways and What to Avoid

While the Instant gratification from bot-driven follower services seduces many Instagram marketers, genuine organic growth requires more patience and care.

Prioritize increasing reach and engagement among real human accounts through compelling content and value-focused interactions. Supported by data-backed growth tools, brands willing to take this ethical slow burn path will separate from those chasing imaginary shortcuts.

At the end of the day, "success" on Instagram reflects the impressions, engagement, and conversions achieved – not vanity counts from bots devoid of purpose. SimplyGram and similar purely artificial services sabotage the long-view.

By investing thoughtfully in both strategic account management and high-quality content, your Instagram presence can thrive for years to come. Just beware promises of automated easy growth – they always prove too good to be true.